Explore Ladakh's 5 New Districts: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang

Zanskar was once a tehsil in the Ladakh district of Kargil. The former capital of Zanskar, Padum, serves as the administrative hub. Zanskar, along with the neighboring region of Ladakh, was for some time part of the Guge kingdom in Western Tibet. Zanskar is located 250 km south of Kargil town on NH301. The Zanskar Valley and the Indus Valley in Leh are divided by the Zanskar Range, a mountain range in the Union Territory of Ladakh. This district is full of sparkling water bodies and lush green landscapes. 

Drass is also locally known as Shima in Himababs, Hembabs, or Humas. Hem-Babs i.e. the land of ice. Hem means ice. It is a town and hill station located near Kargil. It is situated on NH 1 between Zoji La Pass and Kargil. It is also called the "Gateway to Ladakh", the second coldest inhabited place in the world. Located near Kargil district, this region is famous for its cold temperatures and beautiful landscapes.

The newly created district of Sham in Ladakh is also very special. It is known as the "Valley of Apricots" which is a picturesque region located in the western part of Ladakh. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, this serene valley is known for its breathtaking tourist destinations, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil villages. The name "Sham" means "West" in the local language. Sham Valley has a museum dedicated to the Indian Army, the Hall of Fame. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site, was built in memory of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit to Ladakh. 

The new district of Nubra, created by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is also an area that attracts tourists from all over the world. Nubra Valley is a part of the ancient Silk Road of Central Asia. Another name for it is the Valley of Flowers. Ladumra, which translates to "Valley of Flowers" in Ladakhi, is another name for Nubra. This valley connects eastern Tibet to Turkistan through the Karakoram Pass. It is also the gateway to the Siachen Glacier. However, tourists require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Nubra Valley.

The new district of Ladakh, Changthang, is also famous for its biological diversity. The sanctuary here has a vast collection of flora and fauna. This district has been carved out of Leh district. Tso Moriri, the highest lake on Earth, is located here. This district also has the highest village in the world, Korzok village. Tourists throng the Korzok monastery here. About 44 species of waterfowl and seasonal species of migratory birds are also found here.